Of all the teams one might have expected to break down this season, Multan Sultans (MS) were the least likely. They have played three games and lost all of them, each more crushing than the last. Heading into the season, they boasted the highest win to loss ratio among all teams across all T20 leagues since April 2021, and had played four consecutive finals. But now, they barely look capable of making it to the next stage.
There is, however, one silver lining, they’re playing at home. Multan has been a fortress for the Sultans, where they hold a staggering 5.5 win to loss ratio, miles ahead of any other team. If they are plotting a comeback, this game might just be their best shot at getting the ball rolling before it’s too late.
Lahore Qalandars, on the other hand, have enjoyed a promising start. Aside from the mandatory drubbing from Islamabad United, they’ve won their remaining two games and are the only side, besides Islamabad, with a positive NRR. Safe to say, they’ve started with their right foot forward. Their recent win over Karachi Kings (KK) was also their first against the side in three years. Now, their task is simple, just don’t falter midway.
Team Overview:
Lahore Qalandars look well stacked. Concerns about Abdullah Shafique’s form ahead of teh tournament, given his paltry international outings, have been given a convincing answer. He has looked decent so far. Fakhar Zaman, as always, brings a touch of flair at opening spot, and his knock against Karachi was a reminder of his true worth.
Lahore’s middle order also shapes up nicely. Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, and Sikandar Raza are all game changers, capable of moving things Lahore’s way. And in the bowling lineup, Rishad Hossain has done an incredible job in place of Rashid Khan, picking up six wickets in just two matches. He currently has the best average among all bowlers this season.
Barring their first game, where Multan Sultans gave Karachi Kings (KK) a hard time and had the match in their jaws for almost its entirety, the Sultans have looked less and less competitive in their subsequent fixtures.
The dip in performance can be pinned on both their batting and bowling, though the former has swayed more. The lineup is heavily reliant on their skipper, Mohammad Rizwan. In the first two games, he was their top scorer, contributing nearly 47 percent of the team’s total runs. Their middle order has averaged a dismal 17.44 across four matches so far, which is the lowest among all teams. That has to set off some alarms. And it doesn’t help that their bowling hasn’t exactly brought any relief either.
Head-to-Head Matches:
In 19 games between the two sides, Multan have won 10, while Lahore have defeated them in 9 times, including finals in 2022 and 2023.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Multan hosted a National T20 Cup match just last month, where the side batting first put up over 200 runs. With this being the venue’s first match of the season, expect a fresh pitch with plenty on offer for batters. Seamers might get some early movement. Traditionally, teams chasing here have struggled. Hence, the toss-winning captain is likely to opt for batting first.
Prediction:
Lahore Qalandars walk in as obvious favourites. But PSL has a knack for plot twists, and if that continues, Multan might just find their way back into the contention.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: A Sports, PTV Sports, Tapmad, Tamasha, Walee Technologies, Myco App, Begin
India: FanCode App, Sony Sports Network
Africa: Super Sports
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan: Sony Sports Network
North America: Willow TV
MENA: MYCO
Rest of the World: Sports Central
